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No Pain, No Game: Warner Wants To Play Through Serious Injury Against India

No Pain, No Game: Warner Wants To Play Through Serious Injury Against India

David Warner has put his hand up for an opening batting role in this week's first Test against India.

February 20th, 2013Robert White

David Warner is risking the long-term health of his seriously injured, and unhealed, thumb by announcing himself ready to go for the opening Test starting against India on Friday.

The left-hander broke a thumb during a training session in which he faced off at the crease against speed bowler Mitchell Johnson last month in Perth. The injury kept him out of the whitewash one-day series against the West Indies in January.

"I have a crack in the joint," Warner told reporters in Chennai.

"Where the joint moves, in the corner I have cracked that part, which in the healing process can be worse if it's aggravated and if I put cortisone in there.

"They've told me if it keeps moving around it won't heal properly and it can affect me down the track.

"So I might not have that range of movement in that joint for a long time.

"The precautionary thing we have done is keep it in the splint. (I) did some mobility stuff the past few weeks.

"It is painful but it is a process I am ready to go through to get through the first Test match."

Warner has survived the past four days of training doing batting and fielding work, but acknowledged the thumb is still very sore. He will wear a splint to protect the injury from further damage.

If Warner is given the green light to play Australian selectors will face a tough decision in choosing his opening partner.

Vice-captain Shane Watson wants to return to his role as an opening batsman which would leave Ed Cowan out of the role he has filled in recent Tests.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur hinted that Cowan would retain the position.

"It's a little bit difficult to give that away right now," Arthur said.

"Let's first see how Dave comes about and then we'll attack that conundrum.

"Ed has come out of these practice games with his head held high.

"He's had a good method against the spin and he's played exceptionally well.

"That would be a tough call but that's something we have to only weigh up once Davey Warner is fit or not fit."

Both Cowan and Watson have played well against the India Board XI and India A teams- Cowan produced 58, 40 and 53 while Watson managed an 84 and 60 while combining with Cowan for a century partnership in both innings.

Watson will likely bat at No.4 if Cowan and Warner are giving the opening nod.